Ratapoil c. 1851 - 1929

"Ratapoil" is a photo-portrait by Honoré Daumier, a prominent French artist of the 19th century, known for his satirical caricatures and lithographs. This particular artwork is a striking example of Daumier's talent for capturing the essence of his subject, a woman, in a single, poignant, and somewhat melancholic pose. The photograph, housed at the Städel Museum, is a fine example of Daumier's foray into photography as an artistic medium. The composition features a woman's profile, illuminated by a soft, diffused light, creating a sense of intimacy and depth. The delicate, almost somber tone of the work is characteristic of Daumier's signature style.